1.8 million volt spark demonstrates lightning protection

A University of Queensland researcher has dramatically demonstrated that it may be possible for people to protect themselves against lightning strike inside an appropriately protected tent frame.

Emeritus Professor Mat Darveniza of the Computer Science and Electrical Engineering Department applied a simulated lightning strike of 1.8 million volts on April 3 to the tent.

At the time, he was inside the modified metal tent frame in the University's high voltage laboratory, with only a set of headphones for protection against the loud noise of the simulated strike.

The protection concepts of the tent frame included interception of the lightning spark, safe conduction of the current to ground, cancellation of the electric and magnetic fields inside the tent frame, creation of a safe equi-potential surface at the ground and protection against side flashes.

After prior testing on a dummy, Professor Darveniza was so confident that the demonstration would work that he invited his UQ electrical engineering graduate brother, Louis, to join him inside the apparatus. Neither brother felt any ill effects.

"The demonstration worked very well in laboratory conditions," Professor Darveniza said.

"Obviously, we haven't yet tested the theory in field conditions, but will probably do so using rocket-triggered lightning, where lightning voltages and currents are much higher," Professor Darveniza said.

"We believe tents can be made safe against lightning strike in a relatively simple way."

Professor Darveniza's latest work follows a recent Internet lightning bulletin board discussion on whether tents could protect campers in electrical storms. The discussion prompted him to rig up the protection system using a configuration of metal tent poles.

He is set to publish his latest findings on the Internet and at the International Conference on Lightning Protection in Rhodes, Greece in August.

A world expert on lightning-associated issues, in 1997 he developed a portable lightning protection device aimed at saving lives and equipment. And as part its development, Professor Darveniza was the first person to test the device, subjecting it to a simulated lightning strike of over one million volts.

The device consists of three aluminium pipes joined together to create a triangular frame large enough to allow a person to stand under it. The pipes are designed to telescope down for easy transport, and can be attached to a golf buggy.

Professor Darveniza, who has worked on lightning research for many years and is chair of EL24, the Standards Australia committee responsible for lightning protection, said he had been aware of the need for a simple system for protecting people caught in the open during thunderstorms for some time.

His invention of the portable device was triggered by a visit by Singapore's Ministry of Defence, seeking protection for troops and expensive electronic equipment in the field.

"The device I have developed also has unlimited potential in most countries, particularly in Australia with our many sporting ovals and golfing events. It's very simple, but like many simple ideas, it's effective," he said.

For information contact Professor Darveniza on (07) 3365 3984 (work), (07) 3378 4610 (home) or 0418 708 454 (mobile)

Enquiries can also be directed to communications@mailbox.uq.edu.au